Softcopy Issue Two 2016 by Softcopy

Standing Ovation for Drama students in Germany

Sabastian Pillay at African Art Centre

Fashion students shine at Vodacom Durban July

ISEA2018 at DUTDigiFest

Alumnus Nosipho Mngoma wins top Journalism Award Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue Two 2016

FoAD Graduation in pics

Issue Two 2016

Editor: Andile Dube 031 373 6455/ andiled@dut.ac.za Layout and Design: Nic Human Proofreader: Andrea Alcock (City Campus Writing Centre) Images: northcliffmelvilletimes.co.za, Nomtsikelelo Mthabela, Sbonelo Mthethwa, Michelle Reynolds, DeserĂŠ Wadsworth, Dave Macleod/ Gameplan Media and Robin Junicke. Cover Art: Sabastien Pillay Publisher: Faculty of Arts and Design Editor-in-Chief: FoAD Executive Dean, Dr RenĂŠ Smith

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Contents Awards and Honours Health Journalism Award for Mngoma

Madhoo-Chipps wins Best Digital Humanities Tool Award

Hadebe shines at Chinese Proficiency Competition

Fashion Students dominate the VDJ Young Designer Award

Drama Students complete GenEd Language courses

Exhibition Sabastian Pillay at African Art Centre

AFH takes the Art of Human Rights to UJ

Internationalisation in FoAD

Special Feature Drama Students in Germany

News Fabrice Lambert brings magic to Courtyard Theatre

International Collaboration in Performing Arts

School of Education Student in Spain

Community Engagement and Theatre Production

Marine Videography and conquering swimming fears

FoAD at DUT Open Week

ISEA2018 at DUTDigiFest

Graduation Special FoAD Graduation in pictures

Kathrada dedicates his award to fellow struggle icons

Research Theory and You! A Blufferâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Journey by Prof Michael Chapman

FoADâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Research Office making strides

Alumni Mncube talks about his role in Royal Drama

Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue Two 2016

Editor’s Note Issue two has landed, yes! This issue is jam packed with stories of the amazing work done by staff and students in the Faculty of Arts Design. In this issue you can read about international photographer and fashion lecturer, Nirma Madhoo-Chipps who won Best Digital Humanities Tool Award at the Inaugural National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS) Book, Creative and Digital Awards Ceremony. You can also read about Journalism alumnus, Nosipho Mngoma who scooped an award for Health News Reporting at the 2015 Discovery Health Journalism Awards. What I find inspiring about Nosipho’s story is that at the age of 27 when others were settled in their chosen careers, she chose to follow her heart and study for a second qualification. Today she has an award to show for her bravery. Earlier this term, departments and programmes took part in DUT’s Open Week which attracted an estimated 12 000 learners from over 140 schools. I would like to think this was a fulfilling experience for both the lecturers and students who participated. We must not take for granted the impact we have on others. I am sure for most of the learners who attended Open Week this was their first exposure to the university environment and that their interactions with you will always be in their memories. As always we look forward to hearing your views on how we can improve this magazine. If you have any stories to share, do not hesitate to send me an email on andiled@dut.ac.za. You can also follow us on www.facebook. com/DUTFacultyofartsanddesign, Instagram @dutartsanddesign and Twitter @DutFoAD. With that said, I would like to leave you with the words of late author and poet Maya Angelou, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Until next time, happy reading!

Andile

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Dean’s Corner Preparing this column and signing off on ‘Softcopy’ is always a lesson in humility. The talent and creativity that our students embody is both humbling and inspiring. Every year our Fashion students excel at the Vodacom Durban July. As this normally takes place during the winter recess period, they miss out on all our praise and recognition. This year our students have yet again outshone their contemporaries. Earlier this year our Drama students received a standing ovation at the 2016 Folkwang Shakespeare Festival in Germany. We are so proud of you and equally thankful for the teaching and support staff who play significant roles in facilitating and harnessing student talents. Our past, current and future students embody the ‘avalanche of hope’ that Vice Admiral Mudimu reminded us about during a DUT Graduation address. Nosipho Mngoma’s prestigious Discovery Health Journalism Award equally inspires. I remember Ms Mngoma as an outspoken, courageous, mature woman student with an enquiring mind and a passion to do more. Mostly she stood out because she was actively involved in civil society campaigns to protect and uphold the rights enshrined in our Constitution. She also understood that her own success was inextricably connected to the sacrifices and achievements of people around her. I knew then as I know now, she is destined for great things. Giving back, paying-it-forward and volunteering takes many forms, like supporting community projects, representing Faculty on committees or volunteering for Softcopy for instance. Thank you to the Softcopy team for their hard work and dedication. Most contributors do so on a voluntary basis, committed to profiling student and staff successes and critically, to moving the Faculty forward. In so doing they also harness their own experiences and portfolios. Best wishes for a productive and fulfilling second semester.

René

Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue Two 2016

Awards Honours

Health Journalism Award for Mngoma ANDILE DUBE

In her 30s, Journalism graduate and Daily News reporter, Nosipho Mngoma was all smiles as she accepted the award for Health News Reporting at the 2015 Discovery Health Journalism Awards held in Johannesburg recently. Mngoma, who pursued a National Diploma in Journalism at the age of 27 was among seven top health journalists who were honoured at the gala event for their valuable contribution to highquality health journalism in South Africa.

Speaking to Softcopy, Mngoma said she would like her win to inspire others to follow their dreams: “I would like my success to show people who feel like they are not living their passion or have had failures in life or are thinking of giving up that you are never too old; it’s never too late to pursue your passion.” She said: “I am proud, especially because I broke the story and the Daily News carried it pretty much from start to finish without any other publication being able to catch up.” The story for which she won the award was about a disease which had re-emerged after almost 30 years because children had skipped vaccinations. There was subsequently a drive to have children immunised because of this awareness. On why she chose health reporting Mngoma said she was influenced by her mother, who recently received a PhD in Nursing. “Through her work and passion for nursing, I grew to understand the human impact of health issues, not only on the ill person but on their family and even community. As a journalist, I wanted to contribute to the public’s health knowledge,” Mngoma said.

Mosipho Mngoma (centre) with Dr Jonathan Broomberg, CEO of Discovery Health and Professor Tawana Kupe, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Advancement, HR and Transformation, of University of the Witwatersrand.

I would like my success to show people who feel like they are not living their passion or have had failures in life or are thinking of giving up that you are never too old; it’s never too late to pursue your passion.

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Awards Honours

Madhoo-Chipps wins Best Digital Humanities Tool Award ANDILE DUBE

Renowned fashion photographer, designer and lecturer, Nirma Madhoo-Chipps, was among the winners at the inaugural National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS) Book, Creative and Digital Awards Ceremony in Johannesburg recently. Madhoo-Chipps, won the Best Digital Humanities Tool Award for her paper themed Future Body: Technological Embodiment In Digital Fashion Media. This was illustrated by a multimedia body of work that she developed as a part of her MA in Fashion Photography at the London College of Fashion. “This series which can be viewed on my webpage (www. anatomythestudio.com) consists of fashion photographs, an interactive digital installation and a fashion film which has been screened in London, Melbourne, Cape Town, Johannesburg and most recently DUT Digifest 2015,” she said.

honour to be shortlisted for the award, especially for work done in the context of fashion imagery as research,” Among her many accolades, Madhoo-Chipps won first prize in the C’N’C Plug Generation Design Contest in 2012 where she was given a Euro cheque prize and Costume National (an Italian Fashion house) flew her to Milan to attend their show at the Milan Fashion Week to see her design on the C’N’C catwalk. Through its core functions of enhancing and coordinating scholarships, research and ethical practice in humanities and social sciences, the NIHSS seeks to redress existing deficits and also coordinates programmes, projects, collaboration and activities in the humanities and social sciences disciplines through existing public universities.

Thrilled about her win, Madhoo-Chipps said the NIHSS should to be commended for recognising the Digital Humanities as an area of research in South Africa. “We seldom reflect on the power of imagery in this visual-centric culture. In this vein, we have, through the consumption of fashion imagery, witnessed specific ideals of beauty, narratives, body types, identities, race and gender definitions assume universal cultural dominance in a global landscape with a misrepresented diversity. It is therefore an Nirma Madhoo-Chipps with other winners at the inaugural National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS) Book, Creative and Digital Awards Ceremony.

Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue Two 2016

Awards Honours

Hadebe shines at Chinese Proficiency Competition ANDILE DUBE AND DR EDDIE CHAOBO FU

Media Language and Communication student Nokuthula Hadebe will be jetting off to Beijing to witness the final round of the 15th “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition for College Students. Hadebe was among the students representing the DUT Confucius Institute (CI) at the prestigious competition. She took home third place at the 15th Chinese Bridge preliminary round which was held at the University of Johannesburg recently. The competition consisted of three parts: a writing test, themed speech and Chinese cultural talent shows.

The DUT CI team, was led by the Co-Deans Prof Eddie Chaobo Fu and Prof Graham Stewart who also attended the 2016 South Africa Chinese Language Teaching Workshop hosted by Chinese Embassy in South Africa, Department of Basic Education, the Gauteng Ministry of Education and CI at University of Johannesburg. In this meeting, issues such as the training of South Africa local Chinese teachers and the implementation of Chinese Language curriculum in the primary and middle schools in South Africa were discussed, which provided the direction for Chinese teaching in South Africa.

Hadebe, obtained a high score by telling the story about her dream of becoming a professional Chinese teacher in South Africa. “It is because of the hard work of our Mandarin teachers that we keep succeeding and learning more. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the Chinese Bridge Competition organizers and the teachers who helped train us and never gave up on us. Thank you for your continued efforts and assistance in making sure that we understand the Chinese culture and language”, said Hadebe. In the talent show section, the DUT CI team captivated the audience with a series of performances including Chinese calligraphy, Hulusi (a Chinese traditional flute), folk dancing, cross-talk and Chinese martial arts.

Nokuthula Hadebe (left) at the preliminary 15th “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition for College Students.

It is because of the hard work of our Mandarin teachers that we keep succeeding and learning more.

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Awards Honours

Fashion Students dominate the Vodacom Durban July ANDILE DUBE

Fashion and Textile students once again “slayed” at this year’s Vodacom Durban July (VDJ) held at the Durban Racecourse recently.

trendy and high fashion and used the diamond shape as my inspiration. I also wanted to incorporate some fun and popping colours” said Ganas.

Leona Magdelene Pillay was crowned the winner of the VDJ Young Designer Award while Kimosha Ganas walked away with the Vodacom Durban July Fashion Challenge Award. Shéskia Aprakshya Ramnath, also from DUT, scooped second prize in the Vodacom Durban July Young Designer Award competition.

The judges were made up of Invited Designers Francois Vedemme and Kathrin Kidger, Sindi Shangase from the Durban Fashion Fair, East Coast Radio presenter and media personality Terence Pillay as well as Fashion Editor of Grazia, Nonkuthalo Thithi.

Designers had to dazzle the judges on the technicality of their outfit, how well they innovatively interpreted the theme and if they succeeded in creating a race-day ensemble that effortlessly portrayed the stylish and sophisticated spirit of the Vodacom Durban July. Trumping scores of other fashion students from around the province Pillay’s royal blue and beige ensemble won her a once-ina-lifetime accompanied trip to New York Fashion Week. “My design was inspired by the Queen of Spades who is seated right next to the strongest card of the pack, the King of Spades. I believe that behind every successful man is a strong woman,” she said. Ganas’ futuristic inspired outfit with geometric prints helped her to take home first prize for the Fashion Challenge, beating other aspiring designers and out-of-province students. She was visibly overwhelmed by her win, saying, “I wanted to do something Five of the ten the Vodacom Durban July Young Designer finalists.

Trumping scores of other fashion students from around the province Pillay’s royal blue and beige ensemble won her a oncein-a-lifetime accompanied trip to New York Fashion Week.

Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue Two 2016

Awards Honours

Drama Students complete GenEd Language courses ANDILE DUBE

26 Drama and Production Studies students successfully completed Conversational French, Mandarin and Portuguese General Education (GE) Modules and were awarded certificates of participation at a ceremony held at the Courtyard Theatre at the end of term two. The ceremony also marked the departure of the three General Education lecturers, Juliana Rosa, Dr Delphine Colin and Xinyuan Liang who teach Portuguese, French and Mandarin respectively. Previously students from Journalism, Interior Design and Language Practice participated in this pilot project as a mixed group. Students from Maritime Studies in the Faculty of Applied Sciences also completed Gend Ed language modules in 2015. Three students from the Maritime Studies project were given the opportunity to travel to China. FoAD General Education co-ordinator, Tasneem Seedat explained that GenEd is a curriculum project which came into effect officially in August 2012 after being approved by Senate.

language and culture is a one move towards this. The Faculty of Arts and Design has worked to develop partnerships resulting in the signing of MOU in some case. Our relationship with Confucius Institute, Camões – Instituto da Cooperação e da Língua, and Alliance Française have given these modules a enrich cultural depth,” she said. One activity students participate in is a cultural day where students from each of these modules get together to share in an intercultural experience. There is food and music, with students sharing songs that they have learnt in the sessions and exchanging experiences on their interaction with these foreign languages. Mandarin instructor, Xinyuan Liang said: “The course for level one is 40 hours in total, we also have the course for Tea Culture, Kung Fu and Chinese Folk dance. It makes me feel great when my students show interest in the Chinese culture and really learnt something true from my class instead of learning about China online.”

Seedat explained: “These modules are designed to enhance the curriculum by creating a studentcentred educational experience which will prepare students for an increasingly diverse and complex globalised work environment while cultivating an engaged critical citizenry.” “We have developed a suite of modules to help accomplish these aims. Being able to expose a wider students body to these modules in Drama students and their lecturers at the awards ceremony.

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Exhibition

Sabastian Pillay at Africa Art Centre ANDILE DUBE

Second year Graphic Design student and Interpret Durban winner, Sabastien Pillay recently showcased his work at the African Art Centre(AAC). Pillay won the Interpret Durban competition in the Fine Arts category alongside artist, Rob Mills. Both Pillay and Mills were awarded a joint exhibition as part of their prize. This exhibition was titled Dualities of Preservation, which means there are two sides to everything, peace and war, chaos. It featured 13 artworks, 8 pen and ink, 2 paintings, 1 sculpture and 1 carving. With his exhibition Pillay wanted to bring forth that feeling of taking all that emotion that one would feel and let it ooze through his art work. His artworks, which depict animals and women wearing cultural regalia, are done using pen and ink.

from each other but all hold strengths in their own habitat. Looking at my own culture and the heritage of South Africa I have used figures to bring forth the passion and the beauty that both cultures hold.” The 21-year-old couldn’t contain his excitement at having his very own exhibition, describing it as inspiring. “It means a lot to get exposure in the field of art at such a young age. I am hoping the exhibition will open new doors for me in the industry. Overall I am grateful to my Mum who has given a lot to me and always motivated me, my friends for the support during this mild-stone in life and lecturers who have inspired me. Most of all I am grateful to my mentor, Ashley Munsamy who is a lecturer at Centec Ethekwini College who has taught me and guided me through the process of this exhibition,” Pillay said.

Explaining why he chose the animals he used Pillay said: “The animals I have chosen are very different

Sabastian Pillay’s work is featured on the cover of the current Softcopy. Second year Graphic Design student and Interpret Durban winner, Sabastien Pillay at the opening of his exhibition at the African Art Centre(AAC).

Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue Two 2016

Exhibition

AFH takes the Art of Human Rights to UJ SOFTCOPY REPORTER

In collaboration with the University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) art gallery, Arts for Humanity (AFH) held an exhibition titled the Art of Human Rights at the university’s Kingsway Campus. The exhibition featured works by 29 artists and 27 poets finding their inspiration in the values central to all human rights, as contained in the preamble to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the South African Bill of Rights. The featured artists and poets included (among others), Diane Victor, Kim Berman, Angus Taylor, Judith Mason, Nomusa Makhubu, Berni Searle, Churchill Madikida, Andries Botha, Clive van den Berg, Zanele Muholi, Vedant Nanachand and poets Lebo Mashile, Kobus Moolman, Malika Ndlovu, Busiswa Gqulu, Chris Mann, Myesha Jenkins and Ari Sitas.

UJ’s Fine Art lecturer, Professor Kim Berman praised AFH for its work saying it had become a visual voice for human rights around the world through their various advocacy campaigns of exhibitions, workshops, poster billboards, human rights forums and discussions. “One only has to read the list of endorsements from international Nobel Peace prize winners and advocates for human rights to recognize the monumental importance of this activist organisation,” she said. AFH’s Zinhle Khumalo said that these exhibitions were held in order to stimulate conversations about the 20-year celebration of the Bill of Rights entrenched in the South African Constitution. “Human rights are a pivotal point within the Bill of Rights and through these exhibitions we hope to allow people the platform to express themselves in a healthy manner. All 25 articles from the Bill of Rights are showcased here through prints, digital prints and photographs,” she explained. Khumalo pointed out that 17 years after Arts for Humanity held their first exhibition, now is the time for residents to reflect on the past years and see where the country was headed. With this collection, “We have worked with distinguished artists and alongside their artworks we have worked with a poet who has deciphered the art and written a poem about it,” Khumalo explained.

Artist Vedant Nanackchand and Art for Humanity’s Zinhle Khumalo at the Art of Human Rights exhibition.

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Internationalisation in FoAD Drama and Production Studies Lecturer Prof Debbie Lutge, Fine Art and Jewellery Design’s Head of Department Chris de Beer together, with Media Language and Communication Lecturer, Tasneem Seedat, share how their experiences of international collaborations have enhanced their teaching:

CHRIS DE BEER

Prof Debbie Lutge with Drama students at the International Folkwang Shakespeare Festival in Germany.

PROF LUTGE I was asked what benefit the international travel had for me as a staff member, however it is difficult to separate the experience into a staff and student camp as far from home the production is identified as an ensemble as is the case with a professional production. For all travelling, the international exposure at the Folkwang Shakespeare Festival 2016 hosted by the Folkwang Universitát der Künste connotes educational illumination, establishes cultural synergies as well as distinctions, and allows an analytical level that proves both affirming and inspirational. The standing ovation given the DUT South African production demonstrated that hard work was rewarded, confirmed the authority of our interpretation, and made us feel a welcome part of the global village. Further, in the entire process, international directors and casts engage socially, sharing individual interpretations of the same script and how these interpretations embed national socio-cultural values. The cast were given workshops in February by visiting Prof Hans Dietrich Schmidt from Folkwang Universitát der Künste. In Germany casts after sharing their national production, shared preparation for the international collaboration by attending workshops on the Alexander Technique while directors mapped out an international collaborative interpretation of the Shakespeare under Brian Michaels. This undertaking involved stakeholders sharing experiences and noting how the strengths in the production are drawn into the collaborative version. The fact that directors and casts had watched all national interpretations, backgrounded the workshop of a common collaboratively international production across national, linguistic and cultural borders. This very special festival format founded by Prof Schmidt and Brian Michaels, allows for a global negotiation of the text in order to create cultural synergies that speak across and to distinct interpretations.

The Reunion experience was enlightening. It made me realise the value of the physical surroundings of Durban. I realised that there is a very rich cultural heritage that is available for engaging with, and that I cannot assume that everybody else will perceive it in the same way I do. I also realised that one has to experience the environment and not just be a spectator i.e. one must eat the food at Little Gujarat and buy some Shwe-shwe fabric at KwaMtapuna.

Fine Art and Jewellery Design HoD, Chris De Beer.

TASNEEM SEEDAT In August 2015 I spent a month at the National Animation Industry Park in Sino-Singaporean Tianjin Eco-City, China. I was there to participate in a two-month training programme in Gaming, Animation and Post-production. This experience was personally and professionally enriching. The Park boasts the latest in animation technology, the largest motion-capture studio in Asia and the fastest rendering software in the world. As a creative hub this was an occasion to interact with industry professionals, share knowledge and creativity. With Turbines and solar panels everywhere, the architecture of this Eco-City is informed by knowledge of ecology and design principles in an effort to enable businesses and residents to go about their daily activities in a more efficient manner. This experience of everyday life in a new culture provided room for reflection on other ways of teaching, living, and perceiving the world. It allowed for the discovery of better systems as well as an appreciation for one’s own systems. It has made even clearer the need to equip our students with global communication skills and to bring an international dimension to teaching and learning. It was with regret that this journey had to abruptly end after a chemical explosion at the Binhai Port. This period abroad was an experience that has brought new perspective and revitalised my teaching practice.

Tasneem Seedat (left) with FoAD Research Co-ordinator Dr Ernestina Maleshoane Rapeane-Mathonsi and French lecturer Dr Delphine Colin.

Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue Two 2016

Special Feature

Drama Students in Germany ANDILE DUBE

Earlier this term DUT Drama and Production Students travelled to Germany to take part in the International Folkwang Shakespeare Festival where they dazzled the crowds with their localised version of William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing.

On how their play was received Gxubane said: “Firstly, our script was delivered in English, so they did not miss a word from the performance. They sometimes laughed at certain lines I would have never thought to be as hilarious.”

The play is generally considered one of Shakespeare’s most enduring comedies combining elements of robust hilarity with more serious meditations on honour, shame, and court politics. Under the direction of Prof Debbie Lutge (who designed the set for the play and directed the cast of 12 second and third year students) they received a standing ovation at the end of their performance.

Nkanyiso Shezi, third year Drama student said he gained a lot of experience from the festival and made contacts that he hopes will help him in the future.

Third year student Holly Gxubane, who played one of the lead roles in the production, described her overseas trip as amazing and one that will stay in her memory forever. “The Folkwang International Festival was fairly what I expected it to be, especially having had the organizers of the Festival paying us a visit during rehearsals and speaking to us about the festival way ahead. They managed to give us glimpses and pictures behind what exactly the festival focuses on (fun, learning, experience), [what] the stage looks like and of course more than anything else, the environment and the people we’d be working along with,” she said.

“I learned to have my own signature as an artist […]. Poland, Germany, Australia and us from Africa were part of the festival and in the end we joined together and performed an international joint performance,” Shezi said. He also couldn’t stop raving about the humbleness of the German people they came across during the trip. “The culture as a whole of the people from German, their humbled hearts. One of the highlights was to be on the plane for the first time and having to travel with a train to the city of Cologne and see the dome.”

Drama & Production Studies students performing at the International Folkwang Shakespeare Festival in Germany. www.facebook.com/dutartsanddesign

News

Fabrice Lambert brings magic to Courtyard Theatre ANDILE DUBE

Internationally-acclaimed eclectic French artist, Fabrice Lambert kicked off his African tour by performing his two pieces Gravité and D’Eux #2 at DUT’s Courtyard Theatre. Lambert, who combines dance, choreography and installation, was brought to South Africa by the French Institute of South Africa and the Alliance Française de Durban.

“I continue my work on abstraction, and the context of what I present. Considering my body as material and colour, working on tonal, my dance, crossed by gravity, plays with our perceptions, and brings back, from my abstract body, the energies that put in motion,” Lambert said.

He completed his training at the Centre National de Danse Contemporaine (CNDC) Angers and became the co-founder and now sole director of l’Expérience Harmaat. With his performance, Lambert captivated the audience by expanding their perceptions through his work with abstraction, the deconstruction of complex ideas into their most basic states of being in pieces like, D’Eux #2. In this piece, Lambert took inspiration from Russian painter, Kazimir Malevich with focus on the work, Black Square. Lambert expanded on his work with abstraction and contextual relevance as he played with the tonal elements of the human figure to distort perceptions of matter and energy. Gravité, also warped perceptions and interpretations of the movement of the human body through the use of both installation and choreography. This piece presented the audience with the figure of the performer, Lambert, on a shallow stage of water. As light and sound travels through the water, the subtlest movements are heightened in the water. The union of body and water, enhanced by a focused beam of light allowing a reflection of the body on a screen, allows for the exposure of the textual elements to the water and the movement of the body makes for an intriguing series of images in motion.

Farbrice Lambert during his captivating show at DUT Courtyard Theatre.

Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue Two 2016

News

International Collaboration in Performing Arts SOFTCOPY REPORTER

DUT Drama and Production Studies students together with the José Limon Dance Company from the United States of America (USA) presented a special once-off public performance at the Courtyard Theatre that showcased the creative collaboration between the two institutions. The collaboration forms part of the DanceMotion USA tour to South Africa in conjunction with the United States Consulate in Durban. DanceMotion USA is a programme of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the US Department of State produced by Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) to facilitate cultural exchange while showcasing the best in contemporary American dance abroad.

The programme sends American dance companies overseas to interact with audiences and communities through dance workshops, lectures and public performances. The José Limon Dance Company is based in New York and consists of eight dancers and three directors who were on a tour of Africa visiting Zambia, Madagascar and South Africa. José Limon Dance Company’s artistic director, Carla Maxwell, said the DUT dancers have passion and dance in their blood and there was an abundance of talent and hopes to come back to perform in South Africa.

DUT’s performing arts students and the José Limon Dance Company (USA) dancers at the DUT Courtyard Theatre.

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News

School of Education Student spends a semester in Spain ANDILE DUBE AND WAHEEDA PETERS

Fourth year Bachelor of Education student and former DUT SRC Deputy President, Nkosinathi Phungula cannot stop talking about his recent trip to Spain where he spent six months. Phungula has returned from spending a semester at Madrid’s prestigious international King Juan Carlos University.

The first door I knocked on was the South African Embassy here in Spain. The ambassador really liked the idea and he has promised to work with me and also inform relevant people about this idea. So far the project is doing well but we (DUT) are still waiting for potential funders to respond,” he said.

He is the first DUT student to be afforded the opportunity to study for a semester programme at the international university as a result of an existing exchange programme between DUT and King Juan Carlos University.

The second project Phungula is working on is to build relationships between Spanish universities and DUT.

Established in 1996, the King Juan Carlos University is a top Spanish public research University and is the second biggest public University in Madrid. Aside from sightseeing and enjoying his studies, Phungula has been used his spare time in Spain to try and raise funds to help students in financial need at DUT. He networked at the Spanish University and met South Africa’s Ambassador to Spain, Smuts Ngonyama. “Every year, we (students) find ourselves in the same situation where there is a shortage of funding. I have decided that since I have been afforded the chance to be here in Spain, maybe I can try and meet with a few people and make them understand our situation. Fourth year Bachelor of Education student Nkosinathi Phungula at Madrid’s prestigious international King Juan Carlos University.

Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue Two 2016

News

Community Engagement and Theater Production ANDILE DUBE

It has been a busy time for Drama and Production Studies Senior Lecturer, Dr Pamela Tancsik and her students who hosted a number of productions around Durban this term. On Human Right’s Day, Tancsik’s students, Nombuso Wanda, Lizwi Gumede and Sphephelo Dlamini led the team that took part in the Take Your Child to Theatre initiative. Learners from Sphumelele Primary School visited the Courtyard Theatre and were treated to a fun-filled day which involved storytelling, games, singing and poetry. Wanda explains: “We as drama students are future practitioners and we wanted to celebrate Human rights day by lending a helping hand to children in the townships who have never been taught

to dream or to even imagine the wonders of creativity! As it is with imagination that dreams become a reality!” Tancsik said she was proud of her students for initiating the idea and driving it. The Drama Department together with the Gandhi Development Trust Community Engagement Project also paid a visit to the House-Kids Educare Centre in Kwa Makutha. There the students performed stories that support the Early Childhood Development Values Education Project – Izimpande Zobuntu. Also in the term they held other plays such as the Baby in da House! Boom! and a theatre flash piece acknowledging cleaners.

Drama students performing.

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News

Conquering swimming fears through Marine Videography ANDILE DUBE

One of South Africa’s leading underwater cameramen, Lloyd Williams spent time with Video Technology B.Tech students preparing them for filming underwater. This was part of the students Marine Videography course which is separated into two modules; Marine Videography Theory and Marine Videography Practice. DUT’s Video Technology Department is the only film training school that offers this type of filming in the country. Students are prepared and trained by Lloyd Williams, one of South Africa’s foremost underwater cameramen, who has been commissioned to shoot many international programmes. During the theory classes they learn about the equipment needed, the way light and cameras behave/work underwater, how to prepare the equipment, what to expect from offshore and underwater conditions, underwater safety, and a whole lot of other elements.

once they have learnt this skill. We have had several students who couldn’t swim complete the underwater course, and I almost think that it is their greatest sense of accomplishment in all the years they have been in our department.” The proud Burnett explained that this year the department had a student in his late 30s who learnt to swim for the first time. “We had another student this year who as a youngster got his foot caught in a rock trying to cross a river, and has had the greatest fear of water ever since. At the end of the course he was scuba diving underwater with the camera just like everyone else. We are so proud of them (and credit must go to the other students who empathise and encourage them),” Burnett said. Student, Mthabisi Maphumulo added: “Marine Videography was a whole new experience for me, and I had a couple of challenges because I am not a good swimmer but the instructor taught me how to swim and in less than 30 minutes I had adapted.”

When undergoing practical training they are taken in stages, firstly snorkelling offshore at Vetchies Pier, then learning about scuba equipment at Ushaka Marine World, which is followed by operating a camera using scuba gear underwater, then operating a camera underwater offshore at sea. The modules have various levels of assessment during the different stages. If students can’t swim prior to the practical training they are given basic lessons on how to look after themselves in water. Video Technology’s Adjunct Professor, Peter Burnett explains: “It’s a whole confidence thing, as soon as you get beyond the mindset that you aren’t going to naturally sink in water the students get their confidence to go further. Lloyd has proven to be an excellent ‘swimming coach’, and it is amazing to see the change in people

Video Technology students during their Marine Videography training at uShaka Marine World.

Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue Two 2016

News

FoAD at DUT Open Week ANDILE DUBE

The Faculty of Arts and Design (FoAD) had a strong presence at the four-day DUT Open Week where an estimated 12 000 learners from over 140 high schools across KwaZulu-Natal converged upon the Fred Crookes Sports Centre at Steve Biko Campus. Popularly known for its long history of hosting some the university’s major ceremonies such as graduation, the Sports Centre was transformed into an exhibition centre with FoAD’s attractively decorated stalls adding a pop of colour. FoAD’s participating depart-ments and programmes, Drama and Production Studies, Fashion and Textiles, Language Practice, Translation and Interpreting, Journalism, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Photography, Fine Art & Jewellery Design, and Video Technology were a hit with the learners.

workout for her. “I have seen great performances from alumni of DUT who studied Drama and Production Studies at DUT. I have heard of the work of the Faculty of Arts and Design from my neighbours who study at DUT. Through the things I have seen and heard, my interest to come and study at DUT’s Drama Department has grown,” she said. Graphic Design lecturer, Sharon Zoepke who also interacted with the learners said: “The Open Day was hugely successful with, it seems, many more young people passing through the doors than last year. The learners are always interested in what we do, and walked away with our goodie bag informing them of how to apply, when to come to our admissions test and what to bring in their portfolio. All in all, a very busy couple of days!”

DUT Open Week is an annual event where the university extends an invitation to schools in and around KZN’s grade 10 to 12 pupils in a bid to assist them in making informed choices on their future careers. During the event students are also exposed to the university’s support departments such as Student Counselling, Financial Aid and Scholarships, Student Housing as well as the Central Applications office.

Tasha Munsamy of Fairbreeze Secondary School in Tongaat was impressed by the Drama department but was also curious about what other courses she can explore within the Faculty of Arts and Design should Drama Studies not

Graphic Design lecturer, Sharon Zoepke interacting with learners at DUT Open Week.

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News

ISEA2o18 at DUTDigiFest ANDILE DUBE

Organisers for both the 3rd Durban University of Technology Arts and Design Digital Festival (DigiFest) and the 24th International Symposium on Electronic Art (ISEA) are currently exploring ways to incorporating DigiFest in the ISEA2018 programme. ISEA, which for the first time ever will be hosted in the African Continent when it takes place in Durban in 2018, has a logical relationship to the DigiFest in that many of the core explorations and endeavours of ISEA are what DigiFest is striving towards. Last year Fine Art Lecturer, Greg Streak who is part of the corecommittee as well as the curatorial team for ISEA2018 represented the Executive Dean: Faculty of Arts and Design in Vancouver, Canada to bid for Durban to host ISEA in 2018. The team won the bid against Liverpool, UK and Dundee, Scotland. ISEA has been run and hosted 22 times, more or less on an annual basis, in different countries around the World. It is the premiere event of its kind, with cutting-edge outputs and collaborations Art, Science and Technology. Members of the ISEA2018 Core team, including Streak and the FoAD Executive Dean, Dr René Smith, travelled to Hong Kong for ISEA2016 where they presented to ISEA delegates and the ISEA

International Board. They also attended exhibitions and symposium break-away sessions to get a sense of the intensity and complexity of what an ISEA event entails. Streak explained: “We see ISEA2018 as a catalyst for what DigiFest 2019 can be! This year, we are looking at shaking the DUTdigiFest up a bit by enforcing a “quality” control to ensure that what gets seen as flagship events, platforms or forums, are those that speak directly to the notions of Digital.” The DigiFest opening night Keynote address will be delivered by Marcus Neustetter, the Executive Director for ISEA2018. DigiFest2016 will provide a platform for the launch of ISEA2018. DigiFest2016 takes place on 9 and 10 September under the theme “We are such stuff as dreams are made on”, in commemoration of #Shakespeare400. Streak said Departments within FoAD need to understand the magnitude and significance of hosting this International symposium. “Hong Kong saw the attendance of over 470 delegates, 200 volunteers, 77 conference sessions, over 60 artists involved in exhibitions, 7 keynote speakers ... But before we can get to that point, we first need the faculty to embrace the DUTDigiFest as a platform to celebrate and interrogate the notion of Digital in its many guises,” he said. He emphasised that DUTDigiFest is strategically about embracing Digital within the curriculum as a specific aim. According to Streak, this needs to happen at “a departmental level or through the crosspollination between departments within the faculty. I am going to get involved in facilitating this process and unpacking what electronic or digital art is and what it can be, based on the specifics of each department’s aims and objectives. To find ways to show how it can be integrated with a slight shift in focus, rather than the idea that everything has to be discarded for this purpose. The hope is that it allows and encourages departmental collaborations, not only within the faculty, but across faculties too”.

Interior Design Exhibition at the 2015 DUT Arts and Design Digital Festival.

Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue Two 2016

Graduation Special

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Graduation Special

Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue Two 2016

Graduation Special

Kathrada dedicates his award to fellow struggle icons SOFTCOPY REPORTER

Anti-apartheid activist Ahmed Kathrada was recently conferred an Honorary Doctorate in Arts and Design during the DUT Faculty of Arts and Design graduation ceremony. Kathrada was honoured for his contributions to literature as well as his outstanding contribution towards South African human rights and social justice.

Chiba, Kathrada creatively came up with ways to keep the channels of communication open among prisoners and the outside world. Kathrada also contributed significantly to Nelson Mandela’s autobiography, which was smuggled out of prison and formed the basis for Long Walk to Freedom.

He spent 26 years in prison on Robben Island along with former president Nelson Mandela and anti-apartheid activistWalter Sisulu. Although there was an 11-year age gap between the two (Mandela and Kathrada), they became close friends. “I dedicate this honour to the men and women who are martyrs of our struggle and freedom. I had the privilege of spending my life sentence with Nelson Mandela and Walter Sisulu”. Kathrada went on to say, “I thank you for this honour and will always remember it. I dedicate it to those who did not have the opportunity to see it.” Kathrada’s interest in literature began at a tender age of 12, when he distributed political leaflets. Although he dropped out of his formal studies in matric to become a full-time political activist, he was also amongst the first Robben Island prisoners to complete a university degree. After this, he continued studying and completed his second degree and two honours degrees. His many writings have become pearls of wisdom. This includes his books, such as No Bread for Mandela: Memoirs of Ahmed Kathrada, where he reflects on his time incarcerated in Robben Island and Pollsmoor Prison. From the Island, Kathrada also wrote many letters to his niece, which is now captured in a publication. Kathrada was chosen by his fellow prisoners to head their “communications” work on the Island. Working closely with activists Mac Maharaj and Laloo DUT Registrar, Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa and Ahmed Kathrada during the FoAD graduation ceremony.

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Research

Theory and You! A Bluffer’s Journey by Prof Michael Chapman ANDILE DUBE

Prof Michael Chapman, Retired Professor in the Faculty of Arts and Design, recently held a research seminar titled, Theory and You! A Bluffer’s Journey. In his seminar Prof Chapman demystified theory in a bluffer’s journey while alluding and discussing some key theoretical issues. “Every proposal form askes students, what is your theory? And students panic because no one knows what that is. Everyone is supposed to know what it means but no one does, including me.” He said theory has become a growth area in Humanities and Social Sciences, generally in cultural analysis and academic life.

“So culture it seems can be almost anything. Those who apply theory to any of the texts about culture according to which the Durban inner city and the Coetzee novel are both texts believe that they are pursuing knowledge and truth but of course your truth might not be my truth. Theory is usually linked to one’s ideological assumptions of what is valuable and what is not valuable. What is just and what is unjust, what Is progressive and what is conservative and so on,” he said.

“It is assumed that the application of theory will lead to a significant increase in our understanding of how our culture and or society works whether we are focusing on a scientific discovery, the Durban inner city, the language of politics, or the language of all of us or a J M Coetzee novel,” Chapman said. He also spoke about one of the oldest definitions of culture by British anthropologist, Sir Edward Tylor which says that culture is that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, heart, morals, law, customs and other capabilities and habits acquired by human beings as members of society.

FoAD Deputy Dean, Prof Brian Pearce and Prof Michael Chapman.

Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue Two 2016

Research

FoAD’s Faculty Research Office making strides ANDILE DUBE

In a bid to strengthen the partnership between the Faculty of Arts and Design (FoAD) and its Honorary Fellows, the faculty’s Research Office recently hosted a two-day workshop facilitated by the Executive Dean, Dr René Smith and Deputy Dean, Prof Brian Pearce. Other participants included, Retired Professor, Michael Chapman; Honorary Research Professor, Bertie Neethling; Honorary Research Fellow and DUT Registrar, Prof Thenjiwe Meyiwa; Honorary Research Associates, Drs Dianne Moodley and Mikhail Peppas; Honorary Research Fellows Prof Dennis Schauffer and Dr Mashilo Boloka; Profs Anthony Collins and Rolf Gaede, and FoAD’s Research Coordinator Dr Maleshoane Rapeane-Mathonsi.

Currently the office works with 10 Honorary Fellows, and has facilitated a growth in research outputs from 1.83 in 2011 to 9.1 in 2016. “We organise Talkfest as part of DUT Arts and Design Digital Festival. We are also student-centred, working with the Post Graduate Association and working with Interior Design MA student to re-do the PG Lab. We also graduated 1 PhD and 4 Masters students in April, and will be graduating more in September,” said Rapeane-Mathonsi.

Aside from the workshop, FoAD’s Research Office has for two years been holding weekly research seminars that are intended to foster a culture of research and scholarship in the faculty. Additionally, the seminars afford staff and students an opportunity to network and start reading papers in a safe space, respectively. According to Dr Rapeane-Mathonsi, with respect to postgraduate support, “Around 30 staff members are studying and getting support from the Research Office, e.g. organising strategic workshops on thesis writing, proposal writing, training for supervisors, and the first Post Graduate Conference.” The Teaching Development Grant has contributed significantly to these activities and to the appointment of a Post-Doctoral Fellow who facilitates the Faculty Research Methodology course. FoAD Research Co-ordinator Dr Maleshoane Rapeane-Mathonsi.

Currently the office works with 10 Honorary Fellows, and has facilitated a growth in research outputs from 1.83 in 2011 to 9.1 in 2016.

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Alumni

Mncube talks about his role in Royal Drama ANDILE DUBE

Former DUT Drama and Production Studies student, Wiseman Mncube has done it again. Earlier this year, the 26-year-old scored a supporting role on e.tv’s drama series, The Kingdom- uKhakhayi. In the series, which has become an instant hit, Mncube who graduated in 2012 stars alongside an A-list cast featuring some of South Africa’s seasoned actors such as Nomsa Xaba, Mncedisi Shabangu and Melusi Yeni.

Mncube plays the role of Mfanufikile, an idealist that believes he has something to offer the world. The only problem is he is slight of build and a bit nerdy and therefore easily overlooked. If he were not a member of the royal family he’d be insignificant. He is a great supporter of his brother, Sabelo (played by Melusi Yeni) and wishes Sabelo would do the right thing and take up the throne, believing that his brother would do well with him as a close adviser and ally.

The Kingdom - uKhakhayi is a drama series based on the royal AmaBhaca people that was led by Chief Zwelakhe, who is now deceased. The kingdom is currently under the leadership of a paramount chief, Jezebomvu. The drama explores the quest for power by the ruthless and cunning chief. This power struggle leaves the family divided into two camps: one led by the matriarch and the other by Jezembovu. Stories of power struggles, fights for leadership, betrayal, loyalty and backstabbing make for compelling viewing. The drama explores traditional customs and inner workings of African royalty. Viewers are taken into the world of a family torn apart by an inheritance battle. Devious actions in the quest for power are exposed.

Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue Two 2016

“Working with people like Melusi Yeni has been a blessing. It shows that you are growing as an actor. Everyone on set has been a pleasure to work with and we have become a close family,” he said. Mncube who hails from Ulundi, a small town in the heart of Zululand, is the younger brother of another DUT Drama and Production Studies graduate, Ntando Mncube, known for his many roles on TV and theatre. “I fell in love with acting when I went to DUT’s Courtyard Theatre to watch my brother in a play. I was doing grade 10 at the time and it was my first time attending a theatre show. It was love at first sight.” The Kingdom – uKhakhayi airs on e.tv every Tuesday at 9.05pm. DUT alumnus, Wiseman Ncube on the set of The Kingdom – uKhakhayi.

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